Harnessing Natural Resources (HNR) Project
This project comprised 26 rural tourism and enterprise initiatives across the three counties of Cavan, Fermanagh and Leitrim. With three flagship projects at Dowra Courthouse in Cavan, The Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre in Fermanagh, Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre in Leitrim and other projects to include walking, cycling and touring trails, attraction and angling developments, recreational and enterprise facilities.
The aim of the project has been to build on cross-border opportunities by promoting a shared approach to rural regeneration through tourism, enterprise and social development.
New cycle path opening in Killykeen
Funding of €3.064 million for this cross border initiative was approved in January 2011 by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) under the INTERREG IVA programme Priority 2, Co-operation for a more sustainable Cross Border Region (Theme 1 Collaboration: Rural Development).
Essentially the Harnessing Natural Resources (HNR) project was an integrated strategic proposal designed to stimulate rural regeneration through the implementation of selected projects throughput Counties Cavan, Fermanagh & Leitrim, incorporating rural tourism and business infrastructure.. The project was being delivered through a cross border partnership comprising of Cavan Local Enterprise Office (lead partner), Cavan County Council, Fermanagh District Council, Leitrim County Council, Coillte Teoranta, Cavan County Enterprise Fund, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and Swanlinbar Development Association.
The project acted as a catalyst for private sector investment in new businesses and create an opportunity for entrepreneurial activity in the area. Community groups and organisations in the area played a central role in the development of the project and were key to its successful implementation. Enhancement of the environment and infrastructure, combined with economic and enterprise support initiatives, will be of long term benefit to the local economy.
The project has now finished. For any information please contact our office on 049-4377200.
